HOME__________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEWSLETTER No. 4 -  Winter 1980/81

WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

 

The Silver-studded Blue in Gloucestershire
 

A study of the distribution of this species in Gloucestershire through the relevant literature (Edward Newman, Tutt, Stainton, South, O'Donovan, R. H. Dennis, and others) reveals the fact that its status has always been one of scarcity, with a range restricted to the Bristol area. This appears to be confirmed in the entomological journals 1840-1970, and by the Monk's Wood B.R.C. distribution maps. The occurrence of argus in two widely separated localities on the Cotswolds, as recently reported by two B.B.C.S. members, is therefore of particular interest.

Is it possible that in such a well-explored area that this insect has remained undiscovered for so long, or that covert introductions have been made? The most recent record of introduction comes from the Dulas valley area of North Wales where butterflies of the caernensis race were released in 1942 - stock originating from their Great Orme's Head stronghold.

Are recent records for the small pearl-bordered and silver-washed Fritillaries on the Bucks-Oxon border and the reappearance of the adonis blue in a well-worked Chiltern site evidences of recolonisation (from where?) or introductions?

In assessing the present status of certain butterflies and considering policies for their conservation events of this kind need carefully monitoring.

Perhaps some of our B.B.C.S. members can supply further information to help solve such puzzles?

Roger Smith

One of our Staffordshire members, Mrs. Joan Hatton, has very kindly sent me a record of species seen in her garden at Brewood, and very impressive it is too. Apart from the expected whites, tortoiseshells and peacocks, there are good records of small copper, meadow brown, wall brown, painted lady, red admiral, holly blue, brimstone, orange tip, comma, green-veined white and gatekeeper - clearly there are plenty of the right nectar plants in this garden.
 

A list of butterflies from the Kingsbury area of Warwickshire provided by the Rev. K. Hood is also of interest in the way it highlights the adverse effect of the drought Summer of 1976 on subsequent years (X = species present).
 

Whilst the absence from the list of some of these species may represent a lack of noted observation, the trend is very clear,- a sharp fall in 1977 followed by a gradual recovery.

BBCS Member, Mrs. Diana Rees is willing to offer holiday accommodation next year on a paying guest basis to fellow enthusiasts interested in the butterflies of Pembrokeshire. Charges would be reasonable, with any profits going towards conservation. Mrs. Rees' house, which overlooks the sea at Manorbier near Tenby, is quite superb with fine views and a magnificent butterfly garden. For further details write to Mrs. Rees, Withy Hay, Manorbier, Tenby, Dyfed (tel. Manorbier 215)